Cupping Therapy
What is Cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique where cups are applied on the skin of certain parts of the body for a short period of time to help promote tissue healing.
Cupping therapy, although an older technique, became part of the mainstream conversation during the 2016 Olympics, when swimming champion Michael Phelps showed up to compete with rounded bruises covering his back.
Cupping Therapy Mechanism
The mechanism of cupping therapy is not fully understood, but what we know is that the suction created from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels under the skin, which your body treats like an injury. The body then redirects more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
The benefits of cupping therapy are numerous and can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing. Patients commonly experience pain reduction and decreases in muscle tension, allowing for greater comfort in daily activities. Additionally, the increased blood flow and oxygenation to treated areas promotes healing, while improvements in range of motion help restore optimal movement patterns and function.
You Ask, We Answer
What is cupping therapy and how is it performed?
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique where by special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. It is used to promote healing, relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation.
How does cupping therapy differ from acupuncture?
Cupping utilises specialised cups while acupuncture uses thin, long needles. You will often see both techniques used in conjunction.
What conditions can cupping therapy help with, especially musculoskeletal issues?
Cupping is used for a number of musculoskeletal conditions which include but are not limited to tension headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back, muscle tightness, fibromyalgia, sciatic pain, sports injury and recovery.
How does cupping work to relieve muscle pain or improve blood flow?
Using suction basically pulls the skin and superficial layers up which stretches muscle, fascia and takes pressure off blood vessels. The suction also helps the blood vessels expand which can then deliver nutrients and oxygen to the area being treated, resulting in improved healing, reductions in inflammation and helping with lymphatic drainage.
What should I expect during and after a cupping session?
During the consultation you will feel a tight sensation from where the cups and placed. The pressure and time frame is adjusted based on practitioner and patient preference. You may experience some soreness for up to 36 hours after the cupping session and there will a bruise like redness left on the skin for up to several weeks on where the cups have been placed.
Is cupping therapy combined with chiropractic treatments?
Yes, typically performed in conjunction with some dry needling, soft tissue work, muscle releases, mobilisation, manipulation and exercise prescription.
What benefits does cupping offer when integrated with chiropractic care?
We tend to see a longer lasting effect of the chiropractic treatment where cupping is used in conjunction with the other modalities used within the clinic.
What are the potential risks or side effects of cupping therapy?
The main risk being blistering of skin where the cup is placed on too tight and for too long a time. Some patient may report feeling warm and itchiness in the area where the cupping has been applied. It is common to see the red marks left from where the suction was created for several weeks after the therapy.
How many cupping sessions are usually needed to see results?
Typically we trial 1-2 sessions to see if your body responds well and then this can be adjusted accordingly.
Who is an ideal candidate for cupping, and who should avoid it?
Cupping is a relatively safe and gentle technique hence it is suitable for most presentations including but not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, muscle tension, people with poor circulation and patients seeking relaxation. We do not utilise it when a patient has a bleeding disorder, is pregnant, has a fever, a skin condition, cancer patients, the elderly or children younger than 15 and people with certain medical implants or conditions.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of cupping therapy?
There is strong evidence supporting cupping for short term pain reductions when applied to the lower back, knees and neck. There is moderate evidence supporting sport related injuries.
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